Wild elephant dies after hooch swig

A Rogue elephant, which stole a pot of fermented wash from Puliapatty in Kerala, died in the early hours today after consuming the lethal brew. Efforts by a 15-member team of forest officials and a veterinarian to save the elephant failed with the pachyderm succumbing to serious burn injuries along three-feet of its digestive tract and liver.

According to Anwar Deen, District Forest Officer, Coimbatore, the 13-year-old elephant drank the wash, said to contain ammonium chloride, and 8220;navachar8221;, another deadly chemical. A flourishing illicit arrack trade goes on in the village.

8220;We are taking up the issue with the Mannarkadu division authorities to check the illicit arrack trade along Kerala border. Pachyderms have very keen olfactory senses. This elephant must have smelt the brew and got drawn to it. It can happen again,8221; added Deen.